What is Identity Theft?

Identity Theft is a crime. A crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal data in some way that involves deception and often fraud. Some common types of identity theft crime are:

Financial ID Theft: This type of case typically focuses on your name and Social Security number (SSN). The imposter may apply for telephone service, credit cards, loans, or lease an apartment.
Criminal ID Theft: The imposter in this case provides the victim’s information instead of his or her own when spotted by law enforcement officers. If a warrant for arrest is issued it is in the name of the person whose ID has been used---YOURS!!!
Identity Cloning: In this case the imposter uses the victim’s information to establish a new life. They work and live as the victim---YOU.

The most common means of identity theft involves a thief stealing personal information, such as bank account numbers and Social Security numbers, and then using the information in a fraudulent way.

How ID Thieves Get Personal Information

Wallets and purses that contain personal identification and financial information get stolen.

Mail that may include bank statements, credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers, etc. get stolen.

The thieves complete a change of address form to divert your mail to another location.

Your trash gets rummaged through for personal data (often this is called dumpster diving).

Your credit report is obtained fraudulently by the thieves posing as a landlord, employer or someone who may have a legitimate and legal right to the information.

The thieves buy personal information from “inside sources” sources such as an employee where you work or a store employee who has access to information that appears on an application for goods, services, or credit.

The thieves retrieve personal information about you from the internet.

How ID Thieves Can Use Your Personal Information

They have the mailing address changed on your credit card account. If an imposter runs up charges on your account, it may take some time before you realize there’s a problem, since the bill is being sent to a new address.

The ID thieves open a new credit card account, using your name and personal information such as date of birth and SSN. After using the credit card and not paying the bill, the delinquent account may be reported on your credit record.

With your personal information ID thieves may:

1. Counterfeit checks or debit cards, and drain your accounts.
2. Buy cars by taking out auto loans in your name.
3. Establish a phone or wireless service in your name without your knowledge.

Tips to Avoid Identity Theft

Keep all personal information safe at home, especially if you have a roommate or are having work done.

Don’t keep PIN numbers near your checkbook, ATM card, or debit card.

Carry as few cards with identification and personal information as possible; such as social security numbers, PIN numbers, etc.

Don’t give out confidential information such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, birth date, PIN number, or even your maiden name over the phone unless you have initiated the call.

Check your financial records as soon as you receive them for any unexplained activity.

Keep track of when your bills arrive each month. Call and check the activity if the bill has not arrived.

Be wary of giving out your social security number. The only place you must use your social security number are on government and financial forms such as tax forms and most credit applications.

Question how your personal information is stored at your place of employment.

Check regularly your credit report for the following:

Awareness of all accounts listed and balances

Look in the section that lists who has received a copy of your credit history

Check for addresses where you have never lived

Check about inquiries regarding loans and leases you have never received